Would you have made a good wise man?
That’s the question I found I was asking myself this morning. Let’s examine their characteristics; they were studious, (they studied the skies looking for a sign), they were diligent, (they didn’t give up looking just because they didn’t see it right away), they were persistent, (they traveled a great distance and expended length of time to find the Christ child), they were consistent, (they weren’t distracted from their search) and they were dedicated (they committed to the task and didn’t stop until they reached their goal). Finally, they were reverent, they worshiped the Christ child and not the nation’s king.
It’s believed that the wise men’s journey took about 2 years. They found a child and not a babe. They traveled at their own expense and they brought gifts, lavish gifts, to the child. It cost them something – if they had been wrong in their search it would have cost them more than their finances, it would have cost them their reputation.
So I asked myself, what am I seeking? Oh, I have many things that I’m doing – preparing for the holidays, getting ready for company, baking and knitting but what am I seeking?
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Psalm 27:4-5 KJV
Jesus told Martha that only “one thing” was needed to her priority – hearing His word.
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 KJV
Lord, my desire is to be wise – to seek only one thing, You!